Effects of alpha-interferon on sperm production, concentration, and motility in the rat.

BACKGROUND

We evaluated possible effects of alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) on testicular spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm quality in the nude rat.

METHODS

Nude male rats were administered subcutaneous injections of human alpha-IFN daily for 3 months. The luminal content of the cauda epididymidis was collected by micropuncture. Daily sperm production was determined by Amann's method and sperm concentrations were determined by microassay. Progressive motility was judged by evaluating the linear distance traveled by the sperm in a diluent. Serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were also measured at the end of the experiment.

RESULTS

Daily sperm production and epididymal sperm concentrations were significantly increased after administration of alpha-IFN, while progressive motility of the spermatozoa was not altered. Alpha-IFN significantly increased serum testosterone levels, while it decreased serum LH levels and left serum FSH levels unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Alpha-IFN may improve testicular spermatogenesis and increase the epididymal sperm concentration in the rat. These promising results with alpha-IFN may pave the way for a new approach to treating male infertility.